Air Traffic Controller Salary in Boise, ID: $155,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Boise, ID earns a median $155,758/year (≈ $74.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Boise's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $163,440 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Boise projects a median annual compensation of $155,758, surpassing the national median of $151,886 by 2.55%. This favorable pay landscape reflects the realities of local facilities often running below optimal staffing levels, compelling controllers to work 50-60 hour weeks. The salary range varies widely, from approximately $90,340 at the lower end (P10) to as much as $233,667 for those at the top tier (P90). These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, offering a comprehensive glance at the local pay scenario. As the demand for air traffic controllers continues, Boise remains a competitive market instilling confidence for those considering a career in the sector.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,340 | $43.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,146 | $53.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,758 | $74.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,369 | $95.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,667 | $112.34 |
Median Salary Position
2.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boise
In Boise, ID, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,327 (2026 est.). At $155,758, the local median is 2.55% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boise Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Boise median: $155,758/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $150,200 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.55% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Boise, ID earn a median of $155,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.55% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.70% above the Idaho state average of $150,200.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boise has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boise, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $155,758 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $163,440 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,125
2025 BLS Actual
$151,855
2026 Current Est.
$155,758
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,745 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,882 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,479 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,855 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,761 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boise metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $126,125 (2019) to $151,855 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,761 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,636 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $90,340 – $112,146 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,146 – $155,758 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,758 – $199,369 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,369 – $233,667 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Boise
In Boise, there are currently 60 employed air traffic controllers, indicative of a stable local job market. With a cost-of-living index at 95.3—lower than the national average—controllers may find their take-home pay stretches further compared to peers in more expensive regions. Most compensation comes from the FAA’s en route facilities, which typically pay more than terminal radar approach control and airport traffic towers. Factors contributing to pay disparities include the facility level, certification status, and extensive overtime driven by chronic staffing shortages. Controllers can maximize their compensation by pursuing CPC certification and capitalizing on shift differentials, especially for night and holiday shifts. Staying informed about the nuances of Boise's aviation sector could provide a distinct advantage for aspiring air traffic controllers.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $151,855 for air traffic controllersin the Boise metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boise is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov